The moment

Lucas and Elif have been married for six months and live in a small apartment in Berlin. Lucas comes home happy: his friend has invited them both to a barbecue on Saturday, and he's already said yes. Elif has other plans for Saturday. Listen for how they go from a small clash to a plan that works for both of them.

The conversation

LucasElif
  1. Lucas
  2. Elif
  3. Lucas
  4. Elif
  5. Lucas
  6. Elif
  7. Lucas
  8. Elif
  9. Lucas
  10. Elif
  11. Lucas
  12. Elif
  13. Lucas

Words to know

two plans at the same time

an apology for deciding alone

take something out to show people

I agree to that

Check yourself

1Why is Elif surprised by the barbecue plan?
2What does Lucas mean by "I should have checked with you"?
3What's their final plan?

Practice · 4 min

Round one: repeat every line in the gap. Round two: mute Lucas and give the apology yourself; "I'm sorry. I should have checked with you" sounds real when it's slow and not defensive. Round three: mute Elif and find the compromise in her place.

  1. LucasGood news. Kenji's having a barbecue on Saturday, and I told him we'd come.
  2. ElifThis Saturday? Lucas, we're having lunch with my parents on Saturday.
  3. LucasOh no. I completely forgot. When did we agree to that?
  4. ElifTwo weeks ago. My mom's been cooking since Wednesday, I think.
  5. LucasI'm sorry. I should have checked with you before I said yes.
  6. ElifIt's OK. We're still figuring out the shared calendar thing.
  7. LucasWhat time does lunch usually finish at your parents' place?
  8. ElifAround four, if my dad doesn't bring out the photo albums.
  9. LucasThe barbecue starts at five. Could we do both?
  10. ElifMaybe. As long as you don't check your phone during lunch.
  11. LucasDeal. And I'll ask Kenji if we can come a little late.
  12. ElifGood. And next time, say "Let me check with my wife."
  13. LucasI'm going to practice that sentence every morning.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.